How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Polk Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Polk Correctional Institution is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Polk Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Polk Correctional Institution

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Polk Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Polk Correctional Institution?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Polk Correctional Institution?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Polk Correctional Institution. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Polk Correctional Institution. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Polk Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Polk Correctional Institution
   10800 Evans Rd
   Polk City, FL 33868
   Phone: (863) 984-2273

5. What are the visiting hours at Polk Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Polk Correctional Institution vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (863) 984-2273 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Polk Correctional Institution?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Polk Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Polk Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Polk Correctional Institution through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Polk Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Polk Correctional Institution, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Polk Correctional Institution?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Polk Correctional Institution for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Polk Correctional Institution, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

Personal growth and skill development form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts at Polk Correctional Institution in Florida. The facility typically emphasizes a comprehensive approach to inmate transformation, recognizing that meaningful change often requires addressing multiple aspects of an individual's life. Through various educational, therapeutic, and vocational services, inmates may access resources designed to build both practical skills and personal resilience. This holistic philosophy aims to prepare participants for successful community reintegration while fostering individual accountability and growth.

Educational services often serve as a foundation for personal development, with programs that may include basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and various vocational training opportunities. Inmates typically have access to educational resources that help them develop essential academic skills while exploring potential career pathways. These learning opportunities are often complemented by practical work experiences that allow participants to apply newly acquired knowledge in real-world settings. The educational component frequently emphasizes both intellectual growth and the development of critical thinking skills necessary for making positive life decisions.

Furthermore, the facility may provide specialized support services that address specific rehabilitation needs and transition planning. Substance abuse treatment services typically offer therapeutic interventions designed to help inmates understand and overcome addiction-related challenges. Work release programs may allow eligible participants to maintain employment in the community while completing their sentences, fostering responsibility and financial stability. Additionally, the institution often includes services such as agriculture programs and landscaping work that provide hands-on learning experiences, while veteran services may offer targeted support for former military personnel. Transitional planning services typically help inmates prepare for release by connecting them with community resources and developing practical reentry strategies.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and metal fixtures of Polk Correctional Institution create a structured environment where every aspect of daily living follows established protocols. Today's routine begins early with scheduled count times, followed by meal service in designated dining areas. Inmates consistently navigate between housing units, work assignments, and program areas according to carefully managed schedules that provide predictability to institutional life.

Housing accommodations typically include dormitory-style or cell-based living arrangements, where inmates share space with assigned roommates or cellmates. Personal belongings are generally limited to approved items that can be stored in designated areas within each living unit. Furthermore, the commissary system allows inmates to purchase additional personal care items, snacks, and writing materials to supplement basic provisions. Although space is limited, inmates often adapt by organizing their few possessions efficiently and maintaining their assigned living areas according to facility standards.

Structured programming schedules provide opportunities for education, vocational training, and recreational activities throughout the week. Work assignments may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations that help inmates develop skills while contributing to daily operations. Although visiting policies typically restrict the frequency and duration of family contact, approved visitors can generally meet with inmates during designated hours. Communication with loved ones usually includes monitored phone calls and written correspondence, which help maintain important family connections during incarceration.